GRE Argument Analysis Essay 2

Question 1

An argument concludes that a new policy caused a rise in sales after being implemented. Which question best challenges this reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Could other factors have caused the sales increase?

Answer

Is the policy popular among staff?

Answer

Was the policy expensive to implement?

Answer

Did competitors adopt similar policies?

Question 2

If a GRE argument cites 'experts' without naming or qualifying them, you should:

Accepted Answer

Question the reliability and specificity of the unidentified sources

Answer

Accept the evidence as credible

Answer

Focus on other weaknesses only

Answer

Assume the experts are qualified

Question 3

An argument states: 'Our city reduced crime after installing more streetlights; therefore, streetlights reduce crime.' This is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Confusing correlation with causation

Answer

Valid deductive reasoning

Answer

A well-supported causal claim

Answer

An appeal to emotion

Question 4

How many body paragraphs does a well-structured GRE Argument Analysis essay typically have?

Accepted Answer

Two to three

Answer

One

Answer

Five to six

Answer

Seven or more

Question 5

What does it mean to 'evaluate the evidence' in a GRE Argument Analysis essay?

Accepted Answer

Assess whether the cited data actually supports the argument's conclusion

Answer

Provide your own data to support the argument

Answer

Summarize the evidence presented in the passage

Answer

Find additional sources that agree with the argument

Question 6

An argument uses a survey of 50 employees to represent the views of 5,000 employees. Which flaw does this best illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Unrepresentative or insufficient sample

Answer

Circular reasoning

Answer

False cause

Answer

Straw man